Hide and Seek. We have all played the game. The childhood game that provided hours of entertainment. We squealed with delight when the seeker pulled the back the curtain to reveal our hiding place. What happened? I thought I left all my childish ways behind me when I put on my grown up suit of clothes. I find myself hiding secrets of commission or omission and fear the curtain being pulled back? I don't have all the answers in the meeting. No, I don't remember all that I should. I should have parented my kids differently to better prepare them. I should have managed my money better. One drink should have been sufficient or I shouldn't get angry over such a small offense. It is an epidemic and no one is spared. Fearing that the curtain will be pulled back and I will be found out for who I am is terrifying, and therefore I hide. In her 2010 TED Talk (nearing 25 million views), Brene Brown discusses the impact of shame and how it colors our lives. Brene shares that a pathway out is through venerability. Sharing, with a confidant, our stories and how they have impacted our lives. What we have done and what has been done to us, impacts how we interact with the world. Brene argues that our best work is ahead of us when we are free of shame. Although, we wont be totally free, we can weaken shames affects on our lives. I have been working through this topic and it is hard, very hard. The good news is that the work is paying off. I am finding that I am more willing to share what I am thinking and speak from who I am, vice fear what others think. I am now willing to stretch myself, ask questions and write a blog post on hiding and venerability. I knew this was an upcoming topic when I started posting questions 65 days ago. It scared me and I wanted to hide. By God's grace, I am learning to step out from behind the curtain and fear less when I see the curtain being drawn back. I have a long way to go but, join me, step out from the curtain, your best work is ahead of you.
Who can you be venerable with? What areas came to mind as you the saw the picture and read the question? How has hiding prevented you from living life fully? Who would you be and what would you do if shame was not whispering in your ear? What does freedom from hiding look like? What is one actionable step you can take to weaken shame?